Sania Mirza to train with Bob Brett

HYDERABAD: Sania Mirza has decided to undergo training under the Italy-based Bob Brett even as the doctors had advised `graded' practice. This decision was taken after her 45-minute practice session, the first one after six months, at Park View Tennis Academy here on Sunday.

Sania felt slight pain in the injured ankle but that was only when she was going for the big serves. "She is quite comfortable but we have decided to be extra careful and will follow the doctor's advice regarding the practice schedule which suggested only an hour's training daily and then think of increasing the span," Imran Mirza told The Hindu. But, it was also informed that when Sania spoke to Bob Brett, she was assured that she would not be forced to do anything which would aggravate her injury. In fact, Bob Brett informed her that he was planning to work on some `specifics' before she begins her campaign in the French Open Grand Slam.

Sania was given an entry in the 32-member draw of the Strauss Invitation tournament in France before the French Open and a decision on whether she should take part in it or not would be taken depending on how her ankle responds during the training schedule.

Sania will leave for Italy on Monday, accompanied by her father.